(Hypebot<\/a>) \u2013 The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) has released its Global Music Report 2026<\/a>, breaking down how the global music industry performed in 2025. We\u2019ve compiled five key takeaways that matter most to independent artists navigating today\u2019s fast-changing industry.<\/p>\n Read on for deeper insights and learn how to use these trends to your advantage with tips and tools from CD Baby.<\/p>\n For the first time, global recorded music revenue surpassed $30 billion in 2025, with growth increasing to 6.4%, up from 4.7% the year before. That growth was consistent across 57 of the top 58 markets \u2014 only because, IFPI notes, one market had a record 2024 year.<\/p>\n Latin North America was the fastest growing region at 17.1% YoY. The Middle East and North Africa (15.2%), Sub-Saharan Africa (15.2%), and Asia (10.9%), all saw double-digit growth, too.<\/p>\n +Read more:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/em>\u201cHow Money Actually Flows Through the Music Industry in 2026\u201d<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Streaming remains the engine of industry growth. Paid subscription streaming revenue rose 8.8% in 2025, helping push total streaming revenue past $22 billion for the first time.\u00a0Streaming now accounts for nearly 70% of total recorded music revenues, underscoring today\u2019s streaming-first reality.<\/p>\n Looking to get your music onto streaming platforms like Spotify?\u00a0Create a CD Baby account<\/a>\u00a0today and distribute to over 150 platforms with no annual fees.<\/p>\n For only the second time on record, revenue growth from physical formats outpaced that of digital. Vinyl sales grew 13.7% YoY, largely driven by the world\u2019s leading physical market, Japan. IFPI notes, \u201cBeyond serving as a listening format, physical products also provide superfans with a tangible means of expressing their fandom.\u201d<\/p>\n Plan a merch strategy for your next release. Check out our tips for boosting your merch sales\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n +Read more:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>\u201cWhy I Built a Music Discovery Platform That Finds, Not Buries, Niche Artists\u201d<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Despite a modest 0.3% increase, 2025 marked the fifth successive year of growth for performance rights. Altogether, performance rights accounted for 9.3% of total global industry revenue.<\/p>\n It\u2019s an important reminder that your music may be generating more types of royalties than you\u2019re collecting. Register your music with a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) such as\u00a0ASCAP<\/a>,\u00a0BMI<\/a>, or\u00a0SESAC<\/a>\u00a0to collect performance royalties and sign up for\u00a0CDB Boost<\/a>\u00a0to collect digital performance royalties and more.<\/p>\n In 2024, record labels invested a total of $8.1 billion in A&R and marketing \u2014 highlighting just how critical promotion is in today\u2019s landscape.<\/p>\n While that number may feel out of reach for independent artists, success doesn\u2019t require massive budgets. The industry\u2019s continual shift toward creator-first platforms means independent artists have access to professional-grade tools, strategies, and teams to help them grow.<\/p>\n Build your foundation with our complete\u00a0Guide to Music Marketing<\/a>\u00a0and explore\u00a0our marketing tools<\/a>\u00a0to begin growing your fanbase.<\/p>\nGlobal recorded music revenue grew 6.4% in 2025<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/figure>\nPaid subscription streaming revenues increased 8.8%\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Physical music trade revenues increased 8.0% \u2013 outpacing digital<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/figure>\nPerformance rights revenue grew 0.3%<\/h2>\n
Record labels invested $8.1 billion in artists<\/strong><\/h2>\n